Digital creator and YouTuber Trudy Kitui has spoken exclusively to Mpasho journalist Moses Sagwe following the theft of her mobile phone. The incident took place during Jaymoh Decin’s Sudhee Experience event at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).
The creator shared how the theft occurred, why the loss is severe, and how it will change her event attendance in future.
Sudden Realisation at the Venue
Trudy arrived at the event carrying two mobile phones and a power bank. It took only three minutes after her check-in before she noticed one handset was missing.
She recalled the exact moment she noticed the missing device:
“It took like, like 3 minutes actually. I was so stressed,” she said.
Why the Loss Is Painful
The loss is particularly devastating because the phone contained unreleased client work. She explained that she had not backed up her files to an email account or cloud storage.
Trudy noted that clients had already paid for project materials stored exclusively on the stolen phone. She explained that uncomprehending clients are now putting pressure on her to deliver.
“Bado sikuwa nimezi post, na client alikuwa ashanilipa. There are some clients who don’t understand, so it really drained me. I felt so heartbroken.”
This pressure leaves her facing the daunting task of starting work from scratch.
Rethinking Future Event Security
The experience has fundamentally altered how Trudy views attending public gatherings. She explained that hiring security guards is not about showing off wealth.
Instead, personal security is now necessary to protect essential work tools from thieves at crowded events.
“I’ve come to realise people don’t go to events because they have money or because they want to show off, hizi stori za wizi ndizo zinanabidi mtu ameenda kwa event na security. I feel like I need security personnel who will be working with me anytime I go to events…”
Emotional Impact and Current State
Trudy expressed deep distress over her current situation without her work phone. She described feeling unwell and isolated as she tries to handle client demands.
“Honestly, I’m so, I’m so, I’m so depressed. I’m not okay at all and at some point, I feel like I am sick because the client is really pushing me. There are some clients who don’t understand, blaming me for not backing up or not tracking the phone. This is not giving me peace of mind and I feel so low,” she said.
She appealed to event-goers to stop targeting digital creators. She pointed out that phone theft forces creators back to the drawing board.
“I feel like this has dragged me behind because there are things I have to start from zero again to look for them, yet they were in that phone. When people go to events, let them not steal from people.”
